Verona candidates tout opportunity and change

VERONA – Voters will be asked in the June 4 general election to vote between a mayor with a proven track record and a 32-year resident calling for change in the city’s atmosphere and town hall.
Incumbent Verona Mayor Bobby Williams, 73, is seeking a fourth term and said the city is now in a unique position to grow. He’s being challenged by Robert Trice, 60, a former firefighter and police officer.
Both are running as independents.
“Other than just normal monthly bills, the city has managed to pay off all outstanding debts and loans we’ve had through the years,” Williams said. “We’re in a better position to proceed with any projects to make life better for the citizens of Verona, and I would like to be a part of that for four more years.”
Williams said, if re-elected, he wants to look into renovating the public works building or building a new one. He also said he wants to repair and replace the city’s sidewalks.
Williams said his experience as a business owner helped prepare him for mayor, but his past 12 years as mayor give him an experience advantage in the race.
Trice said he was asked to run by community members who wanted to see change in Verona.
“I believe Verona can do better than what she has done,” he said. “The atmosphere in Verona needs to change. I’ve heard many complaints about the negative attitudes surrounding Verona, and I believe the city needs to recognize it belongs to the citizens, not elected officials.”
Trice said he wants to continue updating infrastructure in a proactive manner instead of reacting when it fails. He also said he will work to start programs for the city’s youth.
He worked as a firefighter for 25 years in Tupelo and a policeman for five years in Verona.
The two independent candidates will face off in the June 4 general election.
jb.clark@journalinc.com